Prosecutors To Seek Man`s Execution

SPRING GROVE — Prosecutors will seek the death penalty in the upcoming murder trial of Burl Mason, 31, of Spring Grove.

Mason faces trial May 18 for the strangulation and sexual assault last Aug. 9 of Susan L. Pauly, 38, who lived across the street from him.

At a brief hearing last week before Lake County Circuit Judge Jack Hoogasian, Assistant State`s Attorneys Matthew Chancey and John Kornak said the state will seek the death penalty if Mason is convicted.

State`s Atty. Michael J. Waller said the decision was based on a long background check of Mason.

Waller said Mason would qualify under Illinois law for the death penalty because he was over 18 when Pauly was slain and because the murder was committed during the course of other felonies-burglary, home invasion, armed robbery and aggravated sexual assault.